It was a battle against sand, wind, cold and exhaustion as Namibia’s endurance riders dug deep to conquer one of the country’s toughest equestrian challenges.
The 2026 Namibia Endurance Desert Challenge and FEI Group IX Regional Championships came to a close in Henties Bay after putting riders and horses through demanding desert conditions that tested speed, stamina, preparation and teamwork.
About 150 riders from Namibia, South Africa, Botswana and Angola took part, joined by individual competitors from Australia, the Netherlands and France. The competition featured both the Desert Challenge and the FEI Group IX Regional Championships, with national colours awarded across several categories.
The severity of the course was summed up by Young Rider team manager Sylvia Janbey, who described conditions as “horrible” and “really tough”. Riders faced deep sand, shifting weather, strong wind, cold spells and sudden sunshine. Janbey said speed became a decisive factor, with several riders pushing too hard during the opening loops before encountering particularly difficult sections later in the 120km route.
She credited careful preparation and discipline for her young riders’ success, saying she instructed them to ride according to what their horses could handle rather than chase excessive speed. The strategy paid off, with her Namibian young riders securing first, second and third places in their category. Namibian riders produced an impressive showing across the championships.
Team Namibia claimed the Young Riders and Heavyweight team categories, while Team NAMEF captured the Lightweight and Standard Weight team titles in the FEI Group IX Regional Championships. South Africa also made its mark, although its riders faced the unfamiliar challenge of Namibia’s deep desert sand. South African Junior Team manager Cathy Price Moore praised the organisation of the event, particularly the water supply, signage and veterinary facilities.
She said the desert conditions provided valuable experience for South African riders, many of whom had never competed in such terrain. The event also produced Namibia’s 2026 National Endurance Champions. Melieke Steyl claimed the Child Rider title, completing the course in 6:38:27, while Vuné Robberts won the Young Rider category in 6:55:54.
In the senior divisions, Elbe Potgieter took the Lightweight title, Colin Makondo won Standard Weight in 6:33:07, and George Wessels claimed Heavyweight honours in 7:12:26. Makondo edged Marna Steyl by just one second, while Frances Holliday similarly beat Potgieter by a single second in the N/W category.
The challenging event highlighted the growing strength of Namibian endurance riding and the dedication of riders, horses, grooms, officials, families, volunteers and support teams. For the champions, the grueling kilometres through Henties Bay’s desert were ultimately rewarded with national titles, but the desert left no doubt that only the toughest survived.
By Rudi Bowe
